DIY Life

If you have a family, you're probably in a state of constant chaos, and romancing your man might not rank high on your list of things to do. You've spent hours coordinating your children, and helping them make monogrammed cuff links and hand print crafts. They'll present these to Daddy first thing Sunday morning, and you'll all enjoy a family day, celebrating Dad.

When the day comes to a close, and the kids are tucked in, don't retire to your separate laptops... instead, turn up the heat, and spend a little time letting him know how appreciated he is. This isn't about modeling sexy lingerie (though I'm sure that would be a welcomed surprise!) or buying him expensive concert tickets. It's Father's Day, so spend some time reflecting on the wonderful ways that he contributes to the family, and thanking him for being such a great parenting partner.

So, what does a dad find romantic? I surveyed some of the men in my life, and it turns out they are pretty easy to please. So many dads are busy balancing work and family that all they really want is a little break.

After the jump, I'll share some husband-certified ways to spoil him this Father's Day.

RSI Home Products and the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission have announced the recall of 8,600 medicine cabinets, due to the fact that the medicine cabinet's mirrors can separate and break, posing a serious laceration hazard. Although no injuries were reported, RSI received two reports of mirrors detaching and breaking.

Manufactured in the United States and sold by Lowe's and Home Depot from August 2007 to October 2007, there are three different styles of bathroom medicine cabinets being recalled. Check out the CPSC press release to see if you have the recalled medicine cabinet.

If you happen to have one of the recalled medicine cabinets, immediately and safely dispose of it. You may contact RSI toll-free at (888) 774-8062 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.estatebath.com, www.insigniacabinets.com, www.masterbath.com to receive a free replacement mirror.

Perhaps this note is a bit early but I thought I'd remind you while there's still time to take advantage of the current residential solar and fuel cell tax credits. The current program is quite generous but it is slated for expiration on December 31, 2008. By taking advantage of the program now, homeowners can still reap significant tax benefits and if your capital expenditures for alternative energy installations exceed the program limits, you can carry the balance forward into the succeeding tax year.

The DSIRE website provides an accurate and understandable summary of the program and its parameters, as well as providing links to the legislation upon which the program is built. The site does also make clear that alternative energy installations which were initiated with assistance of other government programs are not eligible for additional tax breaks (no double dipping please).

It is expected that the next presidential administration shall surely extend the current program or shall probably create something even better, so please don't be too concerned that you'll miss out on these tax advantages. The most important things to remember at this time are to document your expenditures, consult with a professional tax adviser and remember that eligible projects can recover 30% of their cost of construction up to a total of $2,000.